--- title: "Excel Tip: Minimize date entry errors using a calendar drop down list" description: Learn how to how to limit date entry errors in Microsoft® Excel® in 10 easy steps, using only control buttons and no VBA code. --- [866.436.3530](tel:+8664363530) | [** Customer Portal Login](https://na.myconnectwise.net/support/index.htm?Company=equationtech) [Speak With an Expert](https://www.equationtech.us/speak-with-an-expert) [![Equation Technologies - Sage Business Partner | San Diego](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/hubfs/Redesign_Images/logo.png?width=230&name=logo.png "Equation Technologies - Sage Business Partner | San Diego")](https://www.equationtech.us/) - [Sage Services](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services) - Products We Support - [Sage 300](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-300-cloud) - [Sage Intacct](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-intacct/) - [Sage CRM](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-crm) - [Sage Payroll](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-payroll) - [Sage HCM](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-hcm-software) - [Sage FAS](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/fixed-assets) - [Sage Intelligence](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-intelligence) - [Sage Enterprise Intelligence](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-enterprise) - Services We Offer - [Software Selection](https://www.equationtech.us/software-solution-selection) - [Implementation](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/erp-implementation) - [Customization](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/customization) - [Support](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/support) - [Training](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-training) - [Sage Cloud](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/hosting) - [Upgrades](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/upgrades) - [Extend Sage](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-integrations) - [Magento eCommerce](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-integrations#magento) - [ADP](https://www.equationtech.us/en/sage-300-sage-intacct-payroll-powered-by-adp) - [Aloha POS](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-integrations#aloha) - [Salesforce](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-integrations#salesforce) - [TimeClockPlus](https://www.equationtech.us/timeclockplus) - [Other Solutions](https://www.equationtech.us/other-solutions) - Industries - [Distribution](https://www.equationtech.us/distribution-management-software-solution) - [Education Nonprofit](https://www.equationtech.us/education-nonprofit-accounting-software) - [Financial Services](https://www.equationtech.us/financial-services-software) - [Franchise](https://www.equationtech.us/franchise-management-software) - [Healthcare](https://www.equationtech.us/healthcare-finance-software) - [Hospitality](https://www.equationtech.us/hotel-restaurant-accounting-software-solutions) - [Metal Processors & Distributors](https://www.equationtech.us/erp-for-metal-industry-businesses) - [Nonprofit](https://www.equationtech.us/nonprofit-accounting-software) - [Professional Services](https://www.equationtech.us/professional-services-software) - [SaaS & Technology](https://www.equationtech.us/erp-software-for-technology) - [Resources](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-software-resource-library) - [Technology Blog](https://www.equationtech.us/technology-blog) - [Training](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-training) - [Online Videos](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-300-erp-accpac-tutorial) - [Case Studies](https://www.equationtech.us/case-studies) - [About](https://www.equationtech.us/about-us) - [Meet The Team](https://www.equationtech.us/management-team) - [Partners](https://www.equationtech.us/partners) - [Careers](https://www.equationtech.us/careers) - [Contact](https://www.equationtech.us/contact) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Excel Tip: Minimize date entry errors using a calendar drop down list **twitter **linkedin **facebook Ensuring data integrity by limiting date entry errors in a Microsoft® Excel® worksheet can easily be achieved by adding a calendar drop down list.  So, instead of entering dates manually, you can select them from the list. In ten simple steps, we show you how you can add a calendar drop down list using only control buttons and no VBA code. **Note:** Download the [sample workbook](http://www.sageintelligence.com/Email%20Resources/PDFs/Calender%20Drop%20Down%20List.xlsm) to practice this exercise. **Applies to: Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010 (32-bit) and 2013 (32-bit)** The screen shot below will be used for this example. ![1 15 2014 3 41 44 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-457242398-png/images/1-15-2014_3-41-44_pm.png)   1.  Activate the developer tab.      a. In Microsoft Excel 2010: - Select the **File **tab. - Select** Options.** - Select **Customize Ribbon.** - Tick the** Developer** box and select **OK** as per the screen shot below. - The **Developer** tab will now appear on the ribbon. ![1 15 2014 3 43 04 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-460293857-png/images/1-15-2014_3-43-04_pm.png)            b. In Microsoft Excel 2007: - Select the** Office** button - Select **Excel Options** - Select the **Popular **tab - Tick the **Show Developer** tab in the ribbon check box - The **Developer** tab will now appear on the ribbon. 2. Select the **Developer** tab. 3. Select **Insert**. A drop down list with icons for Form Controls and ActiveX Controls will appear. 4. Select the icon on the bottom right hand corner under the **ActiveX Controls**. ![1 15 2014 3 44 05 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-458676026-png/images/1-15-2014_3-44-05_pm.png)   5.** More Controls** will appear. Select **Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 (SP4)** 6. Select **OK**. ![1 15 2014 3 44 44 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-460316527-png/images/1-15-2014_3-44-44_pm.png)   7. Your cursor will turn into a cross hair. **Click** and hold, draw a rectangle in **cell C3**. 8. Right-click on the **Date Control** and select **Properties**. 9. Then type the cell where the date will be displayed next to linked cell as below. ![1 15 2014 3 45 31 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-458570111-png/images/1-15-2014_3-45-31_pm.png)   - Ignore any error that you might get by clicking **OK** on the error message dialog box. - Close the properties window. - Select **Design Mode** to turn it off as per the screen shot below. ![1 15 2014 3 46 13 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-458691346-png/images/1-15-2014_3-46-13_pm.png) 10. When you select the date from the drop down menu the date in **cell C4** will change. ![1 15 2014 3 46 53 PM](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/file-458676661-png/images/1-15-2014_3-46-53_pm.png)   **Wow, you are really good at Excel now!**   **For more Sage 300 and Excel Tips,[ subscibe to the Equation Technologies Blog](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-accpac-blog/)!**   ### Related Articles ##### [In-Depth Comparative Analysis: Crystal Reports vs Sage Intelligence](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-accpac-blog/in-depth-comparative-analysis-crystal-reports-vs-sage-intelligence) In the era where data is king and [49% of those surveyed are saying analytics helps them make better...](https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/legacy/docs/analysis/2022/dttl-analytics-analytics-advantage-report.pdf) ##### [Introducing Sage Data & Analytics](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-accpac-blog/introducing-sage-data-analytics) Through a strategic partnership with Zap Data, Sage recently announced the launch of **Sage Data &...** ##### [4 Key Benefits of Sage Enterprise Intelligence](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-accpac-blog/4-key-benefits-of-sage-enterprise-intelligence) **SAGE ENTERPRISE INTELLIGENCE** 4 Important Benefits To Note With all of the data going into your... ## Need Help Now? [![Request a Call](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/41683/0d27fa16-1614-41b4-9caf-f9597d262c41.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/41683/0d27fa16-1614-41b4-9caf-f9597d262c41) Products We Support - [Sage 300](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-300) - [Sage Intacct](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-intacct/) - [Sage CRM](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-crm) - [Sage HRMS](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-hrms) - [Sage FAS](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/fixed-assets) - [Sage Intelligence](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-intelligence) - [Sage Enterprise Intelligence](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-enterprise) - [Sage Financials](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-live) Services We Offer - [Software Selection & Licensing](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/erp-software-selection) - [Implementation](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/erp-implementation) - [Customization](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/customization) - [Support](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/support) - [Training](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-training) - [Hosting](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/hosting) - [Upgrades](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/upgrades) Resources - [Technology Blog](https://www.equationtech.us/technology-blog) - [Training](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-services/sage-training) - [Sage Software Video Tutorials](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-300-erp-accpac-tutorial) - [Case Studies](https://www.equationtech.us/case-studies) About - [Meet The Team](https://www.equationtech.us/management-team) - [Certifications & Partners](https://www.equationtech.us/partners) - [Careers](https://www.equationtech.us/careers) - [Contact](https://www.equationtech.us/contact) - [San Diego Location](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-300-support-san-diego) - [Orange County Location](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-300-support-orange-county) - [Seattle Location](https://www.equationtech.us/sage-300-support-seattle) [![Equation Technologies - Sage 300 Authorized Partner](https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/hubfs/Redesign_Images/logo-footer.png?width=220&name=logo-footer.png "Equation Technologies - Sage 300 Authorized Partner")](https://www.equationtech.us/) **Equation Technologies** United States: 533 2nd Street Encinitas, CA 92024 Canada: #301 - 220 Brew Street Port Moody, BC V3H 0H6 Phone: 866.436.3530  •  E-mail: [info@equationtech.us](mailto:info@equationtech.us) Equation Technologies ©2016 [Contact Us](https://www.equationtech.us/contact)  | [Privacy Policy](https://www.equationtech.us/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "EQ Tech" }, "dateModified" : "Fri, Jul 10, 2015", "datePublished" : "Fri, Jul 10, 2015", "description" : "Sage 300 (formerly Sage Accpac) blog with informative articles in reference to financial software processes and procedures including payroll taxes, training, product information, custom development.", "headline" : "Excel Tip: Minimize date entry errors using a calendar drop down list", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 800, "url" : "", "width" : 800 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.equationtech.us/sage-accpac-blog/bid/103736/excel-tip-minimize-date-entry-error-by-using-a-calendar-drop-down-list", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 60, "url" : "https://www.equationtech.us/hs-fs/hubfs/Redesign_Images/logo.png?t=1474998725496&width=230&name=logo.png", "width" : 600 }, "name" : "Equation Technologies Inc." } } ```